When exactly are the dates for next year? Search gives various dates, ranging from Feb 3trd to March 4. I think Feb 28 to March 4 since the 5th is Ash Wednesday but want to make sure since I always book after it's over.

Yes, February 28 to March 4, 2014.

I'm most likely going to the Carnaval next year in Rio (tentatively arriving on 2/28). How many days do you guys recommend? I'm trying not to shell out too much cash but hotel rooms are pretty expensive. I've never been to Rio before so I would also like to do a tour and visit Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, etc. I am assuming these can be done in a day?

Somewhat OT - I'll be connecting from GRU. How many days would you recommend in S�o Paulo?

Usually in Brazil, Carnaval accommodations are sold in multi-night packages (for dates mentioned above), fully paid upon booking. So it is not about how many days we recommend. (Due to high demand, accommodations willing to bargain about this, esp. in Rio, are likely to be of inferior quality or very inconveniently located.) And it is getting very late to have much of a choice, so book ASAP.
The iconic parades of the top samba schools in the Sambodromo are on the Sunday and Monday, a must do IMO. Otherwise, you can go be with some of the blocks, do your sightseeing and go to the beach.

The two "heights" take a couple of hours each, if you get a sunny day ( not guaranteed at that time of year), and are about a 30 minute taxi or bus ride apart.

I am not a big fan of S.P. but how long depends somewhat on your interests. A couple of days would do it for me, to explore some of the neighborhoods and museums.

March 4 is the official end, but that entire week is a holiday for many workers, and there are the champions' parades in Rio at the end of the week. Many flights will be booked throughout the week and through the following weekend. Hope you plan on seeing more of the very large country than just Rio.

Anyone going for Carnival should of course in part or fully consider Salvador the same dates.

Far better Camarotes and Blocos@:-)

I'm sure you realize that dates of Carnaval, like those of Easter, vary each year. Where did you see a site stating that 2014 Carnaval started on Feb. 3???? Pre-Carnaval blocos started long ago, but Carnaval is Carnaval. March 4 is the official culmination, but many offices are closed that entire week, and there are parades in Rio at the end of the week. More importantly, if you're just now looking for flights and accommodations, you're rather late and, unless you have deep pockets, should perhaps think of 2015.

Those planning on doing traveling before or after Carnaval in any year should check in advance on airfares and hotel rates. Enjoy.

Pre-Carnaval festas have begun. In Fortaleza, for example, there were smaller groups of blocos for the first two Saturdays after New Years, and, starting last Saturday, large shows, with many blocos, tons of drunken teenagers wandering around (no enforcement of rules about selling alcohol to those under 18 when you're dealing with temporary street stands), several assaults and two stabbings. This isn't typical of pre-Carnaval shows in most places. Shows will continue through March 4 and, in some places, afterwards.

I am going to Carnaval in Rio soon. The prizes for 7 day of 6/room accomodation stands at 100 usd/night. Luckily, I've found someone from AirBnB who was willing to rent me an entire month in Rio for 1000 USD.

Even $100USD per night is cheap during Carnaval for a decent place in a decent area. $1000 for an entire month is an exceptionally (suspiciously?) good price. Where in Rio is it? Hope the renter wasn't the daughter of a mayor of a town outside of Rio, who was arrested for renting out non-existent accommodations in Rio.